Laura Marjorie Black, 99, of Jefferson and formerly of Ames, passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2015, at Greene County Medical Center Long Term Care in Jefferson.
Marjorie was born February 23, 1916, near Holyoke, CO. She was the oldest child of six born to Ralph and Hazel (Ferrel) Anderson. She graduated from Colorado State Teachers’ College in Greeley with degrees in both English and history and maintained an active interest in both throughout her entire life. She taught high school English in Haxtun, CO, for two years before marrying Charles Black on June 12, 1939. They moved to Ames, where Charles was working and studying.
They were residents of Ames for more than 60 years. Charles was eventually named Distinguished Professor of Agronomy at Iowa State University. They were long-time members of Collegiate Presbyterian Church. Marjorie was active in her church as a deacon, and particularly enjoyed helping with the church’s annual rummage sale. Marjorie was a member of D.A.R., P.E.O. and Questers. Two life-long interests were reading and growing flowers.
She was preceded in death by her husband, brothers Leland, Deane and Dale and sisters Mary Belle and Bona. Marjorie is survived by three children: Carol Meindl of Clear Lake, Richard (Judy) Black of Hoschton, GA, and Marilyn “Mikki” (Robert) Schwarzkopf of Jefferson. Grandchildren include David and Brian Meindl, Richard (Ashley) Black Jr, Ellen (Craig) Freeman, Anne (Erik) Alexander, and Matthew (Amy) Schwarzkopf. Her great-grandchild is Malcolm Freeman.
A private family gathering with interment will be held at a future date. The family was assisted by Adams-Soderstrum Funeral Home in Ames.
